Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How/when to disclose disability in job application (self.Blind)
submitted by picture_a_vacuum
A bit of background: I've got Stargardt's disease; therefore don't really have any central vision, and I can use a computer visually as long as I've got a big screen.
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So I've just come back from an initial interview for a software development job.
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I believe it went exceedingly well - the interview went on for 1 and a half hours, the interviewer brought in other staff members to come in and meet me, and he asked about salary, etc. I've been invited for a second 30-minute "meet the team" interview tomorrow, to assess whether it's a good culture fit.
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I haven't yet told them I'm visually impaired, and that I will need a couple of accommodations, which I can provide myself. Mainly, a large display.
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Should I tell the manager during the 30-minute meet-the-team thing tomorrow? I'm unsure of how to approach this in the optimal way.
​
So I've just come back from an initial interview for a software development job.
​
I believe it went exceedingly well - the interview went on for 1 and a half hours, the interviewer brought in other staff members to come in and meet me, and he asked about salary, etc. I've been invited for a second 30-minute "meet the team" interview tomorrow, to assess whether it's a good culture fit.
​
I haven't yet told them I'm visually impaired, and that I will need a couple of accommodations, which I can provide myself. Mainly, a large display.
​
Should I tell the manager during the 30-minute meet-the-team thing tomorrow? I'm unsure of how to approach this in the optimal way.
OutWestTexas 11 points 4y ago
I would not mention it unless it comes up. In my mind, it is something you can discuss with HR after you get the job. All they need to know is that you CAN do the job.
fbracing02 5 points 4y ago
I always took the I'll tell you up front and if you have an issue with it I don't want to work with you anyways.
picture_a_vacuum [OP] 5 points 4y ago
I followed this approach. I told the manager on the second interview, and he had a few questions about how I would manage certain situations, and I reassured with solutions. I got the job.
HDMILex 2 points 4y ago
OMG CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! So proud of you <3
arond3 5 points 4y ago
Personnaly, i say it sooner because it has an impact on the way I interact with people on a daily basis, if it has an impact with your coworker you should probably tell it to your futur manager.
picture_a_vacuum [OP] 3 points 4y ago
Hmm.. yeah it’s a very difficult decision. I think I made a really good first impression on them, and that’s what I was really planning for, so that when I tell them in the future, their opinions of me are already partially formed.
I think if a situation arises tomorrow where it ‘feels’ right to mention it, I will. I ultimately want to tell them before any contracts are signed, since I feel that it’s better to keep things transparent with employers to prevent unexpected surprises.
I think if a situation arises tomorrow where it ‘feels’ right to mention it, I will. I ultimately want to tell them before any contracts are signed, since I feel that it’s better to keep things transparent with employers to prevent unexpected surprises.
Pacificem 2 points 4y ago
You do not have any obligation to tell them. That being said you may actually be “more desirable” (relatively speaking) if it is a private company and you qualify for ADA tax credits. I work at a Public University so this doesn’t currently apply to me but my previous employer was eligible for an ADA tax credit because I am completely blind in one eye!
matt_may 1 points 4y ago
Sometimes they ask about medical conditions that could impact your performance. If they ask, I'd mention it. If they don't ask, I don't see why you have to volunteer.
HDMILex 1 points 4y ago
no no no no. Don't until you've got the job.
snow671 1 points 4y ago
The only time I'd ever bring it up before signing is if the VI can impact the job itself. For instance, if you were applying to be a bus driver.
For software development, they should have the tools to accommodate you or be ready to provide them. You don't need to tell them anything.
For software development, they should have the tools to accommodate you or be ready to provide them. You don't need to tell them anything.
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